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Forestry Extension: An Introduction

  • Instructor: Dr. Felisa L. Malabayabas

Objectives of the Lesson

At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:

  • Discuss the history of extension education

  • Differentiate various concepts in extension

  • Define extension education

Historical Perspective of Extension Education

  • Extension education began in 1850 as a response to the needs of a growing population in industries close to homes.

  • Key milestones:

    • 1867: The term "university extension" was established; teachers began delivering lectures in community spaces on various literacy and social topics.

    • 1890: Establishment of "out of college" lectures in America.

Early Agricultural Extension

  • 1800 BC: Evidence in Mesopotamia (clay tablets) on crop watering and rat control; Egyptian hieroglyphs warned against Nile floods damaging crops.

  • 2nd-4th Century BC: Latin texts on practical farming appeared in Rome.

  • 25-220 AD: During the Late Han Dynasty in China, agricultural research and advice dissemination began.

  • 535 AD: Chinese agricultural treatise titled "Essential techniques for the peasantry" focused on estate management.

Modern Era of Extension Education

  • 1304 AD: Pietro's agricultural text was published in Latin; first book on agriculture printed in 1450.

  • Early 17th Century: Francis Bacon's writings on scientific agriculture.

  • 1750-1800: Formation of agricultural clubs in England focused on knowledge exchange among progressive farmers.

  • 1800-1845: The first modern extension service emerged due to the Irish potato blight; Royal Agricultural Development Society established.

Development of Extension Services

  • 20th Century: Diverse extension services evolved, often limited in scale and interaction; were primarily legislation-driven.

  • 1975-2000: Focus diversified, especially in developing countries.

  • 1914: U.S. Federal Smith-Lever Act formalized nationwide agricultural extension programs.

Definitions of Extension Education

  1. Practical information for solving agricultural problems.

  2. Integral behavioral science for planned change in human behavior.

  3. Education for betterment and change of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

  4. Dissemination of research findings for positive social change.

  5. An applied science focusing on adult education outside of traditional schooling.

  6. Encouraging holistic approaches to community needs through technology.

Objectives of Extension Education

  • Provide individualized advice concerning technical agricultural knowledge, considering the sociocultural context.

  • Use democratic principles for educating farmers.

  • Facilitate innovation adoption to enhance farm yield.

  • Support rural development through community engagement.

Importance of Extension

  • Expands forest resources in resource-poor countries.

  • Addresses rural problems while improving farmer living standards.

  • Contributes positively to national development.

Components of Extension Education

1. Extension Education

  • Needs, local resource-based, and problem-solution oriented.

2. Extension Service

  • Field-level activities that facilitate technology transfer and address local needs.

3. Extension Work

  • Encourages adoption of practices for improved production and conservation.

The Extension Process

  1. Analyze Situation: Assess current conditions.

  2. Set Goals: Define objectives with community participation.

  3. Teaching Methodology: Determine how to engage learners effectively.

  4. Evaluate Impact: Analyze the results of extension efforts.

  5. Reassess Next Steps: Make necessary adjustments based on evaluation results.

Characteristics of a Forestry Extension Worker

  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients.

  • Professional qualities like empathy, humility, and technical credibility.

  • Commit to continuous improvement and community engagement.

Roles of Extension Agents

  • Recognize and engage communities on their challenges and opportunities.

  • Encourage change in behaviors and practices among agricultural stakeholders.

  • Serve as crucial links between government, agricultural bodies, and the community.

History and Importance of Forestry Extension

  • Pre-Colonial Period: Forests covered 90% of land; significant resource for socioeconomic development.

  • Colonial Era: Logging practices led to significant forest loss associated with economic activities.

  • Milestones: Establishment of forestry extension laws and systems to mitigate ongoing environmental challenges.

Forestry Extension Definition

  • An educational process aimed at enhancing forest conservation and sustainable practices by engaging local communities.

Features of Forestry Extension

  • Non-formal adult education focused on practical behaviors impacting forest conservation.

  • Continuous adaptation of extension methodologies to local needs.

  • Emphasis on community involvement and feedback mechanisms for sustainability.

Importance of Forestry Extension

  • Critical for environmental preservation and improving the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.

  • Fosters better resource management and agricultural techniques.